Tag Archives: Sports

Popeye lands its first Australian sportswear partnership with The WOD Life

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Merchantwise Licensing has brokered the first Australian Popeye sportswear collection withe the popular online sportswear label, The WOD Life. The deal was struck on behalf of King Features Syndicate.

Launching this month ahead of the Australian summer season, the limited-edition range of fashionably branded Popeye sportswear apparel for women and men includes a high-waisted booty short, fleet bra, motion shorts, slash crop, flex short and printed tank.

‘Popeye’s heart of gold, brave and compassionate personality shines across a number of branded sports and training accessories including a scrunchie, printed socks, an immerse headband as well as a quick dry towel and a face mask covering,’ said the company.

The branded range also extends to training support items including wrist wraps, strength wraps, a four-inch Velcro lifting belt as well as knee sleeves.

The WOD Life will be heavily supporting the range with a ‘Hype’ campaign pre-release followed by an early access marketing activity ahead of the launch at the end of this month. The WOD Life will also drive extensive marketing, digital, media and influencer outreach campaigns for the collaboration.

“For the past three years, The WOD Life has been releasing successful limited edition prints for our customers which can sell out in a matter of hours, said The WOD Life’s director, Ben Dineen.

“Popeye is a cartoon character which our customer base would be familiar with and may have grown up watching Popeye cartoons on TV or the movie during their childhood. We think our customers are going to really relate to the new Popeye x TWL range and will be excited to get into their training space to show off their new style.”

“We are so excited by this Popeye partnership with The WOD Life. Not only is it the first time we have launched an Australian Popeye branded sportswear collection, it is an incredibly comprehensive range featuring apparel, accessory and training support products that are sure to please both Popeye fans and The WOD Life’s extensive customer base,” said Merchantwise Licensing’s general manager, licensing, Kerryn McCormack.

Sleep specialist Mammoth launches Men’s Health and Women’s Health mattresses

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The sleep, health, and wellbeing specialist, Mammoth, has partnered with Hearst UK to launch a new mattress collection with Women’s Health and Men’s Health UK magazines. The range is now available exclusively at Argos.

The new launch, an exciting partnership brokered by Golden Goose, arrives as an extension of Hearst’s successful Women’s Health and Men’s Health licensing programmes. The line of mattresses have been developed for the fitness enthusiast market, tapping into Mammoth’s own reputation as a go-to provider for the sporting elite.

The range features two mattresses – the Fit and the Lift – both with pocket springs, memory foam and soft CoolPlus heat and moisture wicking fabric. At the core of every mattress, Mammoth’s naturally cooling Medical Grade foam, provides postural support and aids circulation so sleepers can wake feeling refreshed and pain free.

Mammoth is backed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and its unique comfort technologies are scientifically tested and shown to improve sleep – making the brand the perfect fit for top-selling Men’s Health and Women’s Health, trusted sources for those passionate about health, fitness and mental wellbeing.

John Tuton, founder and CEO of Mammoth, said: “With health and wellbeing at the forefront of everyone’s minds during the Covid-19 pandemic, there has never been a more important time to focus on our sleep to support both our bodies and minds.

“Mammoth is the healthy choice – and our reputation as innovators in the sector makes us the ideal choice for these industry giants. It truly reinforces our commitment to the retail sector, as we continue to invest in our brand and seize the opportunities to promote Mammoth and our partners. I have great confidence for the future and our continued success through the pandemic and beyond.”  

The announcement marks a new chapter in the relationship between the brands and reinforces the importance of good sleep to support better health and wellness, increase productivity and improve performance.

Angela Kim, international licensing director of Hearst, said: “We are excited to be launching our first dual licensed product that has been strategically developed with Argos and will no doubt deepen our highly successful and already well-established brand partnership.” 

Toys and Consumer Products revenue lifts as WWE negotiates Coronavirus fall-out

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The chairman and CEO of the sport and entertainment franchise, WWE, has championed the business’ creativity throughout a challenging environment, highlighted a strong performance for the brand in its third quarter financials.

WWE has been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic that has rendered live events – the model upon which WWE generates a majority of its income – impossible to maintain to the same volume and capacity of live audiences as pre-Covid times. Despite the impact that has driven a 97 per cent decrease in revenue generated by live events, the organisation remains optimistic.

Consolidated results see the franchise hit third quarter revenue of $221.6 million, an increase of 19 per cent – or $35.3 million – on the same period last year, that has been primarily driven by the growth of core content rights fees in the media segment. This revenue was partially off-set by the loss of ticket and merchandise sales that resulted from the cancellation, postponement and relocation of its live events.

Revenue generated from live events plunged to $0.7 million.

However, the brand’s consumer products sales witnessed a revenue increase of 17 per cent on Q3 2019, taking it to $19.9 million in reflection of increased merchandise sales at the Company’s e-commerce site, WWE Shop, and higher video game and toy royalties. Increased sales via its e-commerce platform substantially off-set the absence of venue merchandise sales resulting from the absence of ticketed audience events in the quarter.

“Our third quarter financial performance was strong and reflected our ongoing creativity in a challenging environment,” said Vince McMahon, WWE chairman and CEO. “We continue to adapt our business, as demonstrated by the creation of WWE ThunderDome, focusing on increasing audience interaction and engagement to support the value of our content globally.”

Kristina Salen, WWE chief financial officer, added: “In the quarter, we delivered revenue of $221.6 million and Adjusted OIBDA of $84.3 million based on increased rights fees for the Company’s flagship programming. With $638 million in cash and short-term investments at quarter-end, we believe WWE has substantial capital resources to manage challenges that may lie ahead and to deliver on key strategic initiatives.”

Net Income for the WWE business was $48.2 million, an increase from $5.8 million in the third quarter 2019, primarily reflecting stronger operating performance.

LEGO builds multi-year partnership with Adidas to ‘inspire creativity and foster play’

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The LEGO Group has struck up a multi-year partnership with Adidas to co-create a range of new products aimed at inspiring creativity to foster a more playful, positive and inclusive world for adults and children from all backgrounds and sporting abilities.

The partnership will span products such as footwear, apparel, and hardware, having kicked off last month with the unveiling of the limited edition Adidas Originals ZX 8000 LEGO sneaker.

“It’s our mission to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow and help children be creative and learn the skills they need to thrive,” said Julia Goldin, chief marketing officer at the LEGO Group.

“Great play experiences are a fun way to learn and build creative confidence, and so is sport – and that’s is why we’re so excited about this partnership. Together, play and sport let children experience collaboration and the principles of fair-play, as well as build mental resilience. These are crucial life-skills that can help children unlock their full potential.”

Aimee Arana, SVP general manager, global training at Adidas, added “Our goal is to use the power of sport to change lives, grounded in creativity as the vehicle to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. An innovative partner like the LEGO Group allows us to together imagine up new concepts and products that will spark creativity in an inclusive way, particularly helping the development of younger generations.”

Initial partnership discussions started in 2017, and in 2018 the LEGO Group welcomed the adidas team to LEGO House in Denmark to let creativity run wild and determine how best to foster a true fusion of the two brands.

That meeting kicked-off what promises to be a dynamic and fast-paced collaboration, with the first products scheduled to drop before the end of 2020. Products for various sports and an active lifestyle will launch in December and throughout 2021, aimed at both kids and adults and crossing different LEGO themes.

Female fitness channel Blogilates launches first signature sporting goods through Semaphore Licensing partnership

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The female fitness YouTube channel, Blogilates has developed its first line if signature sporting goods in partnership with the US retail giant Target in the brand’s first foray into licensing. The partnership was brokered by the channel’s rights and merchandising agency, Semaphore Licensing Solutions.

Semaphore Licensing is continuing to create opportunities for its ‘new media’ brands to expand their reach within the retail world. The Blogilates deal follows from the previously detailed licensing expansion for the YouTube skateboarding channel, Braille Skateboarding in deals that took the brand into toys and recently into footwear.

Blogilates is recognised as the leading female fitness channel on YouTube with over 812 million lifetime views and 5.36 million subscribers. The channel features full-length POP Pilates, HIIT, and total body sculpting workouts that can all be done at home, led by certified Pilates an fitness instructor, and the CEO and founder of Blogilates, Cassey Ho.

The brand’s extended reach currently engages nearly 11 million wellness loving fans across several other social platforms, including 2.1 million TikTok followers and 1.9 million Instagram followers.

The licensing opportunity with Target will allow Blogilates to bring stylish sporting good essentials into the hands of consumers who value quality fitness equipment, as at home workouts become the new normal. The line of products that will be available via Target stores and Target.com will include items such as luxurious vegan suede yoga mats, beautiful gold dumbbells, and blush toned resistance bands.

“Our goal is to create licensing opportunities that connect consumers with their favorite brands via retailers they trust,”said Lisa Berlin Wright, senior vice president of licensing, Semaphore Licensing Solutions

“Target understands the emotional connection that new media stars have with their audience. We are thrilled to be elevating the at home fitness experience through high-quality products at accessible price points for consumers nationwide,” added Michael Bienstock, founder and CEO, Semaphore Licensing Solutions.

State Bicycle Co goes inter-dimensional with Rick and Morty in new bike and accessories collection

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Cycling specialists, State Bicycle Co has detailed a new partnership with Warner Bros. for the launch of a range of its Adult Swim animated comedy Rick and Morty styled bicycles and accessories.

Under the partnership, State Bicycle Co has launched a line of limited edition Rick and Morty themed premium bikes, parts, and clothing all featuring the iconic characters from the animated series. The officially licensed collaboration brings in elements of the hit show on Adult Swim.

The primary graphic design of the State Bicycle Co. x Rick and Morty series pays homage to the inter-dimensional Portals of the show, with an all-over graphic on the Core Line bike, and a Portal Graphic treatment for logos on the high-performance 6061 Black Label bike and frameset.

Handlebar tape, foot straps and a cycling kit (jersey and bib shorts) also feature the Portal Graphic, while the other jersey in the collection showcases a collection of the strange beings Rick and Morty encounter on their travels through space-time.

“We could not be more excited to partner with Rick and Morty. The TV show has been one of the most exciting and daring of the last decade and we feel the opportunity to mix cycling and their favorite pop culture characters will be an awesome opportunity for self-expression for our customers,” said State Bicycle’s co-founder, Mehdi Farsi.

This limited-edition collection is available starting September 1, exclusively through Statebicycle.com

Emoji scores major footwear, clothing, and accessories partnership with PUMA

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The globally revered sports brand, PUMA, has struck up a new partnership with Emoji to launch a new line of footwear, apparel, and accessories all adorned with Emoji icons. The PUMA x Emoji collaboration has been developed to showcase the way in which we all communicate in the modern world.

According to the licensing firm, the new collection has been ‘designed through the lens of instant messaging,’ pairing popular Emoji icons with bright colour combinations top create a range that is ‘young and vibrant.’ It will span footwear, apparel, and accessories for both kids and adults.

“The PUMA x Emoji collection is one of our most favorite brand collaborations. The products turned out so colorful, expressive and beautiful and the entire product line is energetic and truly iconic,” said Marco Huesges, CEO and founder of The Emoji Company.

“We are certain that the line will make everyone happy and that we can, together with PUMA, spread emotions and good vibrations to consumers and fans all around the world.”

Within the range is the RS-2K X Emoji, featuring a hook and loop piece on the heel where detachable peace sign, crying laughter, and fire Emoji icons can be added. The shoe also includes a hidden “What’s Up?” message printed on the vamp. Meanwhile RS-X³ X Emoji includes the same detachable Emoji feature, while the hidden “What’s Up?” message also appears on this shoe in the quarter overlay.

The PUMA X Emoji Tee and PUMA X Emoji Hoodie are both available in black, gray, and yellow, each featuring an array of Emoji icons on both the front and back of the clothing. Rounding out the collection are the PUMA X Emoji Sweatpants in both gray and black, featuring side and back pockets, rib cuffs and Emoji icons on the bottom of the right leg.

The new collection will be dropping on PUMA.com, PUMA stores and select retailers on August 22nd.

Rovio and Topgolf Entertainment launch Angry Birds into select venues

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Eagle, Birdie, the rarely scored Albatross, whatever term you’d like to use, Rovio Entertainment is looking to go the distance in a new partnership with Topgolf Entertainment Group to bring the Angry Birds franchise to select Topgolf venues this autumn.

The partnership marks a new first for both the Angry Birds IP and Topgolf and is aimed at ‘delivering humour and fun for families and friends,’ by utilising Topgolf’s exclusive Toptracer ball-tracing technology to blend the physical act of hitting a golf ball with the digital game play of Angry Birds.

Taking on a variety of challenges, Topgolf guests will be able to partner with much-loved Angry Birds characters including Red, Chuck, and Bomb to demolish virtual structures placed on the Topgolf targets.

“As a company deeply-rooted in innovation, creating new and dynamic experiences is something we consistently deliver, and we know Angry Birds will be a game-changing addition to our existing gaming collection,” said Dolf Berle, Topgolf Entertainment Group chief executive officer.

“With the Angry Birds’ loyal fanbase, this offering is sure to deliver on an experience that makes our Guests feel like they are part of the highly acclaimed mobile game.”

Angry Birds started as a popular mobile game in 2009 and has since evolved into one of the world’s most loved entertainment brands, covering games, blockbuster movies, animated series, location-based entertainment and more. In total, Angry Birds mobile games have been downloaded over 4.5 billion times.

“This experience perfectly embodies the Angry Birds brand in terms of its accessible fun and all-round irreverence,” said Ville Heijari, CMO of Rovio Entertainment. “Added to that, what Topgolf has developed with their Toptracer technology is highly innovative and aligns with the physics-based challenges that can be discovered in Angry Birds mobile games. The resulting experience is a familiar but uniquely branded experience that we’re excited for our fans to take a swing at.”

Rovio and Topgolf Entertainment launch Angry Birds into select venues

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Eagle, Birdie, the rarely scored Albatross, whatever term you’d like to use, Rovio Entertainment is looking to go the distance in a new partnership with Topgolf Entertainment Group to bring the Angry Birds franchise to select Topgolf venues this autumn.

The partnership marks a new first for both the Angry Birds IP and Topgolf and is aimed at ‘delivering humour and fun for families and friends,’ by utilising Topgolf’s exclusive Toptracer ball-tracing technology to blend the physical act of hitting a golf ball with the digital game play of Angry Birds.

Taking on a variety of challenges, Topgolf guests will be able to partner with much-loved Angry Birds characters including Red, Chuck, and Bomb to demolish virtual structures placed on the Topgolf targets.

“As a company deeply-rooted in innovation, creating new and dynamic experiences is something we consistently deliver, and we know Angry Birds will be a game-changing addition to our existing gaming collection,” said Dolf Berle, Topgolf Entertainment Group chief executive officer.

“With the Angry Birds’ loyal fanbase, this offering is sure to deliver on an experience that makes our Guests feel like they are part of the highly acclaimed mobile game.”

Angry Birds started as a popular mobile game in 2009 and has since evolved into one of the world’s most loved entertainment brands, covering games, blockbuster movies, animated series, location-based entertainment and more. In total, Angry Birds mobile games have been downloaded over 4.5 billion times.

“This experience perfectly embodies the Angry Birds brand in terms of its accessible fun and all-round irreverence,” said Ville Heijari, CMO of Rovio Entertainment. “Added to that, what Topgolf has developed with their Toptracer technology is highly innovative and aligns with the physics-based challenges that can be discovered in Angry Birds mobile games. The resulting experience is a familiar but uniquely branded experience that we’re excited for our fans to take a swing at.”

National Hot Rod Association propels into new categories through latest licensing partnerships

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The National Hot Rod Association’s official licensing agency, JRL Group, has secured three new NHRA licensing partnerships that look to propel the growing consumer products and licensing programme into new categories and distribution channels.

The three new NHRA licensees crossing the line this season are JH Design with a new range of apparel and outerwear, Holland Bar Stool for home decor bar stools, tables, and neon wall clocks, and Authentic Street Signs with its stainless steel signs.

“We are very excited about these new licensing partnerships as we continue to leverage the NHRA’s rich heritage as well as its best-in-class reputation to deliver high quality products for loyal NHRA fans,” said Andy Lieb, president of JRL Group.

The NHRA is one of the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning bodies. Since its inception in 1951, the National Hot Rod Association has been the preeminent force in the world of Drag Racing and Hot Rodding. The NHRA fields race teams with over 11,000 horsepower that reach extreme speeds of over 300mph in just under four seconds.

The 24 national NHRA race event schedule is from February to November and airs on Fox Sports and FS1.

The NHRA Licensing Program will continue to focus on lifestyle products such as apparel and accessories, home decor as well as items for the garage for the auto enthusiast such as automotive accessories, automotive tools, appearance and other automotive related products.